Longmont moms share tips for saving during the holidays

A guide to four of this year's hottest gifts and where to buy them

Sunshine Keuter shops online while her daughter Lorelai Jones, 11 months, lies on the couch nearby, Wednesday, at her home in Longmont.
(
Matthew Jonas
)

Shopping tips from Longmont moms

Make a list instead of just browsing, and stick to it.

Start early to spread out your spending.

Search online to compare prices and find discounts.

Longmont mother of seven Sunshine Keuter has learned a few things about shopping smart during the holidays from a leading expert on Christmas, Santa Claus.

With seven children ranging from 11 months to 21 years old, dozens of nieces and nephews and other family members to buy for, Keuter said, she has found that making a list and checking it twice keeps her on track.

"I make a list and stick to it," Keuter said. "What gets you in trouble is when you just wonder around the stores looking for ideas. You have to go in knowing what you need and leave with only those items."

Lists are just one of the things that keep Longmont moms focused and on budget during the holidays. Area moms said they start shopping early -- some admitted they start as early as January -- do their research and wait for bargains.

Keuter does the majority of her shopping between July and Thanskgiving, giving her time to save money early in the year before she has to start shopping.

As much as she hates fighting the crowds, Keuter admits she does occasionally shop Black Friday sales the day after Thanksgiving, but only for the hard-to-get gifts.

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"I get the Black Friday ads and check blackfriday.com in advance so I will know if it's worth going," Keuter said. "I'll do it if I have to but only for something I really need or that's a great deal, and I get it and get out."

Good discounts with fewer crowds make holiday shopping a little easier on the Saturday after Black Friday, Keuter said.

Longmont mom of four April Jones also hates fighting Black Friday crowds but admits she has done it to get expensive items that her kids want for less.

Jones, who has two boys and two girls ranging from 6 to 15 years old, shops for the holidays all year. She starts watching for sales in January and browses mom blogs for discounts and giveaways.

This year, her oldest daughter will be getting a personalized bracelet that Jones won through an online contest by commenting on a Facebook post, she said.

Both moms said they take advantage of discounts that come with buying online but before comparing local prices.

About 50 percent of their holiday gifts were bought online last year, Keuter and Jones said.

When buying for multiple family members, Jones looks for discounts that come with buying multiple items, like buy-one-get-one free deals or five lotions for $20, she said.

"I can give a lotion to my teenage daughter, friends or other women in my family and it saves to buy them together when they're running that deal," she said.

Thrift stores and Craigslist are good for stocking stuffers or unusual gifts, Keuter said.

Juggling holiday shopping with a budget can be tricky, but creating a plan can simplify the process, the moms said.

"Get organized and figure out a plan that works for you," Keuter said. "Just having a goal can make a difference when it starts to get chaotic."

Holiday gift guide

This year's trendy gifts range from another loveable Elmo doll to high-tech gaming consoles that will put the cheer in anyone's holiday season. But these popular items will sell fast, so get a jump on this year's must-have items by checking out the pricing options in our holiday gift guide below.

Microsoft Xbox One console, Kinect and Xbox One wireless controller. The bundle will be released Nov. 22 for $499.99.
(Photo Courtesy of Microsoft)
(
Courtesy of Microsoft
)

Some stores price match, including Walmart, Target and Best Buy, which will make it more convenient to find the top items on your list.

Don't forget to account for shipping costs and dates when shopping online this season. Online prices subject to change.

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